U.S. fighters warn Iranian jet trailing UAV

Mar. 14, 2013 - 03:44PM
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An American fighter jet verbally warned an Iranian F-4 on Tuesday as it pursued an Air Force MQ-1 Predator over international waters.

The MQ-1 was flying unarmed reconnaissance over the Arabian Gulf when it was approached by the F-4, Pentagon spokesman George Little said in a statement Thursday. The Iranian jet came within 16 miles of the unmanned Predator. The Pentagon said earlier today that the U.S. fired a flare to warn the Iranian jet, but amended that statement.

Two American fighter jets were escorting the Predator and warned the jet, ending the situation. All American aircraft remained in international waters, Little said.

Last November, an Iranian Su-25 jet fired on an unarmed MQ-1 in international waters, according to the Pentagon. After that incident, the U.S. told Iran that it would continue to fly the surveillance flights and “we reserve the right to protect our military assets as well as our forces and will continue to do so going forward.”